First Impressions – New Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

What is it?

The all-new 2016 Nissan X-Trail premium midsize SUV made its debut at the Auto Expo 2016 and is set to go on sale in our SUV-hungry market by the middle of this year. Set to become the new flagship in Nissan India’s portfolio of mainstream models, the latest incarnation of the X-Trail brings along a ‘first-in-segment’ hybrid powerplant that promises superior fuel mileage and high performance. Another highlight of this model is its stylish set of clothes, which is in stark contrast to the boxy styling of the previous two generations. We are just back from driving the new 2016 Nissan X-Trail on the well-paved roads around the Buddh International Circuit and here are our first impressions of this very likable family SUV in our New Nissan X-Trail Hybrid India Review here.

New Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Video Review

Is it as stylish on the inside?

Well, almost. While there’s nothing overly eye-catching here, the almost boring and tacky dashboard of the earlier model has made way for a more premium, more stylish unit that features soft-touch plastics and feel-good bits like piano-black inserts and features like a touchscreen infotainment unit. You also get features like cruise control, rear aircon vents, multi-purpose steering wheel, et al.

Did you say bigger and more practical?

Yes, the X-Trail has not only got more stylish, but its all-new platform ensues that it’s also airier than before. The new X-Trail seats five adults in reasonable comfort and can also carry up to 550-litres of luggage. Also, even the middle row of seats can be reclined, moved, or folded flat to free up more space. Further upping the practicality quotient is the boot floor, which can be flipped and folded into as many as nine positions!

Does it drive well?

The new X-Trail’s Hybrid powerplant comprises of a 2.0-litre petrol motor that outputs 147 PS-207 Nm and an RM31 electric motor that produces 41 PS-160 Nm. The latter is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that offers quick charge facility. Among the biggest highlights of this powerplant is Nissan’s Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system, which is basically a two-clutch parallel hybrid system that features a clutch between the engine and the electric motor, and another between the electric motor and the CVT. All this means that both the power sources can be channeled mechanically to the gearbox without needing to employ a torque converter. This system also enables electric-only usage and energy regeneration as the electric motor can send power to the driven wheels without channelizing it through the gasoline engine. Here’s an official video to explain the working of Nissan’s new hybrid system for its front wheel drive vehicles.

By default, the X-Trail is propelled through electric motor till 30 kmph, after which the internal combustion motor kicks in and the two power sources work in tandem to provide brisk acceleration. The X-Tronic CVT works efficiently and the typical ‘rubber-band’ effect is almost conspicuous by its absence. In a nutshell, the X-Trail Hybrid feels really sprightly off the block and rewards its driver with a strong performance across the rev-band.

But what about the running costs?

The X-Trail, when it goes on sale later this year, will be the only SUV in its segment to lack a Diesel engine option. However, Nissan claims that this car’s hybrid powertrain is capable of offering a fuel mileage of as much as 20 km/l to ensure that the running costs remain under check.

Should I buy one?

The new X-Trail, when it goes on sale later this year, should make for a really modern and a comfortable family SUV. It looks stylish, has enough features, is high on practicality, and is tech-laden with an efficient hybrid powerplant and Nissan’s excellent dual clutch control system. True, there’s no all-wheel-drive on offer, but when was the last time you took your midsize SUV off the tarmac? Nissan India is yet to announce the price of the X-Trail hybrid, and while we would be able to give our final word only after this car hits the showroom space later this year, it would be only safe to state that the new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid really has a lot going for it!

New Nissan X-Trail Photos

Stay tuned to Car Blog India for a full New Nissan X-Trail Hybrid India Review and test drive report. Also, what do you have to say about our new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid India review and test drive report here? Do share your thoughts by penning them down in the comments section below. Also, watch this space for new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid India launch details and new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid India price along with a video review of the new model SUV.

5 COMMENTS

[…] redi-GO launch now withstanding, Nissan will be shifting its focus towards the GT-R and X-Trail India launch this year. Nissan Kicks small SUV India launch could take place by the end of 2017 or […]